La Trappe Quadrupel Oak Aged Trappist Ale Brewed at the Koningshoeven Brewery

In 2009, the Koningshoeven brewery reinstated an age-old tradition: aging La Trappe Quadrupel in oak barrels. This way of aging beer results in a unique, complex flavor, which varies from one type of barrel to another. Quadrupel can be conserved for many years, and is a real treat for true beer enthusiasts. And this is yet another beer that continues to ferment after bottling, while its rich taste and high tannin content are likely to even surprise many a wine drinker!
     

       
La Trappe Quadrupel Oak Aged - Batch 11
BATCH 11 is the final batch that used Malbec barrels. However, this batch too contains a lot of Quadrupel that was used on new wood. Batch 11 is a bottling that is very complex aroma-wise. The aroma of the Malbec wine is prominent; a lot of oak flavour from the medium toast; a lot of vanilla and almond from the high toast; flowery aromas from the Acacia and, of course, the beer aromas from the Quadrupel. Very robust and tannin-rich in flavor, an additional lagering in the bottle is recommended. This additional lagering will further increase the complexity and tone down the flavor. Although the red wine influence is clear, the wood aromas dominate in this batch. Highly recommended for anyone who likes heavy beers/wines rich in wood flavor and aroma.
 

     
History
The abbey opened a brewery inside the monastery in 1884 in order to finance the monastery and contribute to charitable causes. Despite this goal, the brewery was run as a commercial enterprise. The abbey owned several bars in the area and produced lager under its own "Trappist" brand as well as contract brewing for several private labels. In 1969, the abbey licensed the brewing operations to the Artois Brewery (now InBev). In 1980 the deal with Artois ended, and the monks went back to brewing themselves, this time a top fermented beer which had only been made in limited quantities since the 1950s. Over time the brewery introduced more varieties, first with Dubbel and Tripel in 1987, then in 1992 they introduced Blond. Between 1993 and 2000, the brewery also marketed a brand called Enkel. The brewery also produces the world's only Trappist witbier. The brewery also used to produce the Jopen beer. The brewery started exporting in 1985, and in 1989 the brewery was modernised.
   
From 1980 until 1999, the brewery was largely run by the monks. Due to the difficulty of the ageing monks continuing to operate the brewery, a limited liability company was set up as a subsidiary of the large commercial brewer, Bavaria. In 1999 the new company began to take over day to day operations, renting the buildings and equipment from the abbey.
   
As a result of this agreement, a dispute arose with the International Trappist Association, the body that governs the labelling of goods as Trappist. They claimed that this new method of operation was against the regulations that permitted the beer to display the Authentic Trappist Product logo. Whilst the beer continued to be brewed within the abbey walls, the arrangement with Bavaria was felt to be too commercialised. As a result, the brewery withdrew their use of the logo on 1 December 1999. However, the brewery continued to label the beer as Trappistenbier.
 
After a lengthy study by all parties, and a review of the agreement between the abbey and brewery, the beers were granted the right to display the logo again as of September 9, 2005. As part of this settlement, the monks have taken a more active control of the brewery day to day operations, working several hours each day.